Synonyms for
Fearful
Definition
feeling afraid or anxious
Synonyms & similar words
horrendous
horrific
frightening
dread
cowardly
dreadful
dire
dreaded
frightful
fearsome
awful
direful
brave
trepid
timorous
terrible
scared
nervous
anxious
terrified
apprehensive
timid
shy
jittery
uneasy
panicky
jumpy
frightened
fainthearted
cowardly
timorous
dreadful
horrible
terrifying
horrid
petrified
Synonyms by register
Antonyms
Common collocations
- fearful of the dark
- fearful of failure
- fearful person
- fearful glance
- fearful of heights
- fearful prospect
- fearful silence
Word family
Usage note
Fearful can describe someone who is experiencing fear or something that causes fear. Be mindful of context, as 'fearful' can sometimes imply a lack of courage.
Compare "fearful" with another word →
Example sentences
- The fearful child clung to his mother's leg.
- I am fearful of the dark.
- He was fearful of the consequences of his actions.
- The fearful dog cowered in the corner.
- The storm made me feel fearful.
Quotes
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
Fear is the path to the dark side.
Fear is the main source of superstition.